Sewing machine in hand luggage?

[GhostCurry]

Can I do this? My MIL has offered me her sewing machine, it weighs 9kg and my hand luggage allowance is 10kg.

We aren't traveling with any hold baggage, but I can put all my stuff in with partner's hand baggage and devote one suitcase to the machine.

Will they baulk at this when it goes through the scanner?

I would imagine so, yes.

Can you lift it above your head easily arms fully stretched? That is a requirement for overhead lockers

Call them? I brought a clock through. Machinery is fine but I wanted to double check. You could also ask Mil to wait until it's passed so you can run back and give it to her ifln case they don't accept it.

I direct it years ago (pre liquid ban but post 9-11). I called the airline or airport first to ask.... had no other hand baggage (I shoved essentials in pockets) . They scanned it, swabbed it, took a bit of time but it was passed! Can't remember but I probably took the needle out....

Did it. Bloody phone...

Checking with the airline is a good idea but a relative of mine did this last year, no problem.

Thanks guys - I will contact the airline.
Yet another administrative task to carry out then follow up... it never ends, does it?! (Have had to spend lots of time contacting airlines and insurers this year, and they never make it easy! Haha)

I don't think the airline will care, depends on security policy at the airport I think.

Ah yes good point.
Hmm, talking to the security desk of an airport. You know when you can just tell that you're going to get one of those noncommittal answers?!

Yes quite but the airport website should be able to offer some guidance

Can you lift it above your head easily arms fully stretched? That is a requirement for overhead lockers

Only with easyjet. Most other airlines have a 10 kg limit and a size limit.

Providing that the machine doesn't exceed the size limit, I would wrap it in bubble wrap and put it in a supermarket bag for life so it is as easy as possible to carry. Unless you are going with EasyJet, putting it in any more substantial bag or wheelie case is likely to make it too heavy.

You might have to post the needle though, as it might fail the sharp item test. Otherwise, I don;t see a problem. I travel with all sorts of weird machinery for work and they do look closely at security and ask me what they do, but as long as there's nothing untoward hidden in the machine, they should be fine with it. It probably happens a lot more than you would imagine.

By supermarket bag for life, I mean one of those bigger canvassy ones, not the 10 p plastic ones.

According to the .gov.uk website, sewing needles are allowed. Who knew? I guess they have to draw a line somewhere...

I will have a look at our array of carry-on bags and see what will fit. I see your point about the Bag for Life Barbara but I feel like it'll be hard work carrying it around the airport... my upper body strength is pretty poor! Haha. But yes it will be very close to the limit, if not over, with the machine weight plus the case - do security care about weight limits? I'm assuming not?